The Lt got orders to his next duty station, which means that our time here in sunny Southern California is drawing to a close.
We are excited, and sad.
Sad, because we have loved it here! It's been a treat to live in such a beautiful area, and of course we've gotten thoroughly spoiled by the nearly constant perfect weather. We'll also be sad to leave the wonderful friends we've found here. (Of course, they're all getting ready to move on as well — such is life in the military!)
Excited, because it's always exciting (if also a little daunting) to start something new.
We'll be moving back to Southwest Oklahoma where, you may recall, we spent close to six months a few years ago. The Lt will be an instructor for the same course that brought us that way then, but this time we'll be staying for probably around three years. He's looking forward to the job, and Pippo and I are looking forward to him having what we hope will be a slightly less demanding work schedule.
(They will also be three non-deployable years, which are a good sort of year.)
His orders came down about a month ago, and we will be moving in about a month more (right after Easter). So right now we're working out logistics and looking for a place to live (lovely as that furnished apartment was, we're hoping to find something even better this time around, if possible).
We're also in soak-it-all-up mode, doing our best to take advantage of our last few weeks here.
We definitely will miss it!
(I've also been thinking about all the things around the house I've been meaning to post about — most notably Pippo's room! I guess I should just declare it all as good as it's going to get and take some photos before we take it all down and move away, hmm?)
carrien says
This is perhaps my favorite series of Pippo photos ever. 🙂 His personality is just so easy to see.
Bon Voyage my friend. Here's to 3 years of husbands keeping close.
Sarah says
I love the photo of Pippo jumping.
It is always great to finally know where you are going. At least you will get some cold weather. And, we always find the last couple of weeks you find new places which you wish you had been able to visit more, if only you had found them before those last days.
In Australia, unless your are posting out of training, all postings generally take place in December, but you find out around July where you will be sent. Mr Provincial just had his career interview where you say where you want to go, and they tell you where they are willing to post you. Based on a response that was not what we expected, I am scrabbling to find a kindy place for my daughter. I can't believe we have actually arrived at the point where we have to try to get into schools! As of this moment she is about 30 places on the waiting list off a place at our desired kindy, so I am hoping a lot of families get unexpectedly posted out:).
Kate says
Nondeployable years are the best kind! Good luck with your move!
Charlotte says
That first picture of Pippo is hysterical! What a character he is! OK, so it's back to OK. Can I tell you that my first very selfish thought was, “Oooooh… that's so close to Texas. Maybe we'll get a chance to meet in person!” If you guys EVER find yourselves headed south into the DFW area, you must let us know!
_Rosie says
Charlotte, we'll only be a few hours away, and the Lt has a couple of brothers at UD, so I imagine we'll be heading down that way from time to time. 🙂
DeirdreLMLD says
I like how you broke the bittersweet news more gently by filling in with ridiculous Pippo pictures. 🙂 I miss himmm!!
sarah says
If you're moving to Lawton, I've got a great house there you can buy! No, seriously, I do. It is HUGE though.
_Rosie says
Hmm, Sarah, tell me more! 🙂
sjohnston522 says
I don't know how you military families do it! But “as good as it gets” is part of what we all love about your blog. Show us what you've done!
Nicole says
Pippo is getting so big! Thanks for sharing with us strangers.
Michele says
Dear Rosie, have you ever read the Mrs. Tim books by D. E. Stevenson? It is impossible not to love Mrs. Tim and her MOST amusing stories of moving about in military life during the 1930's and 1940's. I think your next move will be wonderful because I imagine that you are just like Mrs. Tim. If you can find these wonderful old books, read them all — not just the condensed version recently published. Mrs. Tim of the Regiment, Mrs. Tim Carries On, Mrs. Tim gets a Job and Mrs. Tim Flies Home. God Bless your wonderful family!
_Rosie says
Michele, those sound like fun! I'll look them up.
Melissa Diskin says
those books are SO good… hard to find these days!
@byzcathwife says
if you decide to do a few last things in S Cal- try to make it up to LA (we are another hour north in Ventura) and go to the 'Getty Villa' in Malibu- it is free but you pay for parking- parking is reserved so go on-line. It is all Greek and Roman and half outside so Pippo will like it! Well worth the trip…and then go for one more In & Out 😉
Debbie says
You're a trump, Rosie; and I have no doubt that you will manage to make whithersoever you move into home for the family. Grace under fire- that's what it's all about! Your mother must be proud.
Love,
D.
RubberChickenGirl says
My condolences. I am a Nevadan who is not in love with OK. But your area I believe is where the Buffalo/Bison (?) live and is prettier than Tulsa. Closer to Texas and real Dr Pepper, right?!
RCG
Mary says
Yay for orders! Boo for moving! It's always so exciting and a little daunting to begin all over again somewhere new but there are new adventures to be had for you and your sweet family. My hubby is from OK and there is tons to do there. Can't wait to see Pippo's room.
Ngofamilyfarm says
What a wonderful series of photos you captured! Best of luck preparing for your move. It seems you have a beautiful way of making “home” no matter where you are, which I find so very inspiring.
-jaime
Lisa says
I've lived in Virginia my whole life. I always thought it would be fun to pick up and move… the fresh start and all. Can't wait to see the new pics!
Rachel says
Ohhh… I live in OK!! If you ever want to meet someone, who won't be in close vicinity but we (the kids and I) travel a lot, we'd love to meet! Oklahoma isn't all that bad – and that's coming from someone who moved here from Kansas and did not want to be here at all!